The Freelance Collective

Robert Crispe

AnimatorDirectorEditorFilm makerPhotographerVideographer

I'm a bit of a Creative Generalist - director, editor, animator, illustrator, photographer and artist. I've a keen interest in the surreal moving image with an experimental approach to storytelling. I'm an Australian filmmaker who began my career at one of London's largest advertising agencies, adam&eveDDB, where as a Content Director I was able to expand on my skills in a fast paced high performance industry before moving into a similar role at DDB Sydney. I've been involved in directing, photographing, filming and editing content for Volkswagen, McDonalds, The Sydney Opera House, Lastminute.com, Sony Mobile, John Lewis, Streets (Walls), Skoda, Wrigley's, CareFree, Optus, and others.

Now a freelance creative, director and photographer based in Townsville, Australia - a place where I grew up and am now developing passion projects specific to the region. A series of Documentaries and Short films inspired by Tropical North Queensland.

I plan to expand my portfolio and challenge my creativity. I welcome any local, national or international collaboration.

Describe your working environment in a few sentences..

My working environment is a creative mess. A desk of paints, brushes, pencils and paper. A wall of illustrated storyboards reminding me of the mammoth stop-motion passion project I need to chip away at daily.

What sets you apart from other freelancers in your industry?

Currently my remote-ness. I grew up and studied in Townsville QLD and my first job was in London UK. I have the creative ambition and empathetic mindset that comes from the desire of making something decent from small town humble beginnings.

What are the tools of your trade?

Do you collaborate with others? If yes, how does that works?

When I was working in house at DDB Sydney and adem&eveDDB London - I would collaborate with Creative Directors, account managers and producers from the development of treatments, filming and discussing creative solutions on set and within the editing room.
In addition, I would hope to provide inscription by developing personal projects, and sharing creative gems found online.

Whats been the biggest freelancing lesson to date?

I've not made this easy for myself, I decided to go freelance for the first time in a regional city where there isn't a lot of work - but I made this decision with a goal in mind, to develop and complete passion projects specific to the region.